Anger as IDA land leased for grazing

Land earmarked for industry by the IDA is to be leased for grazing to farmers.

The decision by the IDA, it was claimed, showed job creation was not a priority in Kerry.

The state agency also came under fire for not bringing a single potential investor to Kerry in 2012.

The county’s Live Register has risen to its highest level in almost a year, with figures from the CSO showing 16,825 people signed on in Kerry in January.

The IDA has placed an advertising notice in local press inviting tenders for cattle grazing or hay making on a total of 12.5 acres in Killarney, Killorglin, and Annascaul.

“It shows we’re not a priority case in the eyes of the IDA,” said Tralee Cllr Jim Finucane (FG).

“It also puts into focus the whole approach to job creation and attracting industry to our region. We need to get energetic and aggressive when it comes to attracting industry.”

Mr Finucane said investors setting up in Limerick could draw down more in state funding than if they were in Kerry, a situation that needs to be rectified. He claimed the Government’s decision to strip Shannon Development of its industry, enterprise, and tourism responsibilities could mean many of north Kerry’s primary assets, owned by the group, could be transferred to the IDA.

That would not be good for Kerry as the IDA had proved it had no confidence in the county, he added.

The IDA said land leasing was an established policy to minimise maintenance and security costs while providing an income. Leasing contracts, it claimed, could be terminated if an investment opportunity arose.

The lands will be let from Feb 28 to Dec 31.